Blog Posts - Family law
Understanding the Difference Between a Family Lawyer and a Divorce Attorney
When I needed a family lawyer near me in Sarasota, FL, I turned to Carman & Finegan, P.A. They explained the difference between a family lawyer and a divorce attorney, guided me through child custody and property division, and helped me protect my children and finances. Their local expertise made...
read moreHow Child Custody and Child Support Work Together in Florida Family Law Cases
Understanding the Connection Between Custody and Support When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important questions the court must decide involves the care and financial support of their children. Many people think custody and support are handled separately, but under Florida law, these two areas are deeply connected....
read moreDivorce and Child Support in Florida: What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Lawyer
Divorce and child support cases are some of the most emotionally charged legal matters families face. Beyond the paperwork, these cases affect where children live, how financial responsibilities are shared, and what the future looks like for everyone involved. If you’re considering divorce or already navigating child support disputes in...
read moreEssential Questions for Family Attorney Consultations
Family law attorneys specialize in cases involving family relationships, such as marriage, adoption, divorce, and child custody. Understanding the role of a family attorney is the first step in knowing how they can assist you with your legal issues. They act as both advisors and advocates, helping you navigate the...
read moreDomestic Partnership vs. Same-Sex Marriage: Which is Best in Sarasota?
The two major kinds of same-sex coupling agreements have pros and cons. Before 2015, domestic partnership was the only legal option for same-sex couples in Sarasota who wished to have a legally recognized relationship. Many couples in these situations opted for such relationships, mostly for financial and inheritance reasons. 2015’s...
read moreCan a Same-Sex Couple Adopt Children Together in FL?
Yes, under certain conditions. Until 2010, the answer to this question was “no.” Florida was one of the last states in the country with a same-sex adoption ban. Although the courts struck down this ban, lingering discrimination cannot alter the fact that same-sex couples can adopt children together in Florida....
read moreThe New Prenup
Premarital agreements now address financial and emotional issues. For many years, only super-rich couples with substantial nonmarital assets bothered with premarital agreements. The rules were so complex and subjective that an enforceable prenup in one county might have been unenforceable in another one, and vice versa. Recently, however, Florida lawmakers...
read moreHow Does the Court Determine Visitation Rights?
Usually, children benefit when they spend meaningful amounts of time with each parent. The short answer to this question is that the best interests of the child determine child visitation rights. There is a significant difference between the best interests of the child and the best interests of the parent....
read moreTime-Sharing Rules in Florida
Matters impacting children are among the most sensitive types of legal proceedings in the Florida Family Court. There are often serious disputes between the parents that make it hard to reach mutually beneficial agreements. Child time-sharing arrangements aim to protect the child’s rights and well-being while allowing both parents to...
read moreWhat Are the Most Common Family Law Cases in Florida?
Family law matters are among the most potentially sensitive and complex cases handled through the Hillsborough County Courts. Decisions made during family court proceedings can impact your rights in relationships, your finances, and your overall happiness and well-being for years into the future. To protect yourself and those you love,...
read moreHow Long Does the Mediation Process Take?
Family law cases are undeniably stressful. Whether you are filing for divorce, deciding on a child custody arrangement, or negotiating spousal support payments, the legal process can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. That is why many couples choose to settle their disputes through mediation rather than litigation. Mediation is an...
read moreWhat is a Postnup Agreement?
A postnuptial agreement is a legally binding contract between two married spouses that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party in the event of a divorce or death. While it is similar to a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement is established during the marriage and typically contains provisions regarding...
read moreWhy Is Florida Referred to as a Mother State?
Florida is known as a “Mother State” for reasons relating to how the state treats mothers compared to fathers, especially those in unwed parental situations. If you have questions about your parental rights or how to exercise them, contact a Brandon family lawyer as soon as possible. What Rights Do...
read moreFlorida Passes ‘Child Safety Alarm’ bill
In recent years, we have seen more and more headlines regarding the tragic deaths of children left in vehicles in hot temperatures throughout the State of Florida. Heatstroke has been the cause of death for too many children, including while in the care of childcare workers. Now, Floridians took action...
read moreDoes Florida Recognize Common Law Marriage?
Some couples might not have had a wedding, but they have been together for so long that it feels like they are married. In some situations, they might refer to each other as husband and wife and might live as a married couple. In some states, this might qualify as...
read moreRights of Unmarried Partners to Property Ownership During a Separation
Florida has many laws governing how married spouses should settle various issues in a divorce, including the division of property and assets. However, many couples decide not to get married for one reason or another, and what happens to their property division when they decide to separate? Unfortunately, Florida does...
read moreIs Homeschooling the Better Option?
As schools begin for the 2020-21 term, there is a huge weight on parents to make the best decisions for their family’s health, well-being, finances, and sanity in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some parents are sending their children to in-person school, while others are opting for online teaching or...
read moreCan the Court Control My Relocation as a Separated Parent?
Absent specific legal issues (such as probation or parole), adults in the United States should be able to live where they wish to. Adults move regularly, often relocating to a new state, or even across the country. While adults should have this freedom, it is not this simple for parents...
read moreIs Permanent Alimony in FL Coming to an End?
Once again, the Florida legislature began considering an alimony reform bill that aims to significantly limit awards of permanent alimony. Legislators have repeatedly been proposing bills to amend the state’s laws regarding spousal support in a divorce, and this attempt has stalled in the Senate once again due to certain...
read moreParents Timesharing Children During Quarantine
Sharing physical custody – which is called timesharing under Florida law – can be challenging in many ways. Not only do you miss your child when they are not with you but juggling complicated and changing schedules can be practically difficult. This is true even if you can cooperate and...
read moreHow are Parenting Plans being Affected by the Quarantine in Florida?
When you are sharing custody of your child with their other parent (called timesharing in Florida), you should be following the schedule set out in your parenting plan. It can be hard enough to communicate and work together to make the schedule work under regular circumstances, and it can become...
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